Lord’s Day, Vol. 5 No. 19

(1) How Amiable Are Thy Tabernacles

Psalm 84 speaks of the blessedness of the man (v4, 5, 12) who dwells with God in His house. It is a meditation that brings great joy and peace to the heart.

(a) God’s House (v 1-4)

 ¹ How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! ² My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. ³ Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. ⁴ Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

God’s house is described as lovely (v1). It satisfies the soul (v2). It is also a place of rest (v3), a place of blessing (v4a) and a place of thanksgiving (v4b).

The sparrow is a common bird of little value. Yet, it finds in God’s house a special place of rest. All who may not be ‘great’ in the eyes of the world is, however, valuable in the sight of God. They would find rest in God.

The swallow is a bird that is most active, yet when it needs an abode to rear its young, God’s house provides that solace of shelter and security.

There is indeed cause for much thanksgiving for those who dwell in God’s house.

(b) Dwellers in God’s House (v5-8)

 ⁵ Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. ⁶ Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. ⁷ They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. ⁸ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

The man who trusts in God’s strength is blessed (v5). God provides nourishment for him even when he is in the midst of afflictions (v6). He who dwells with God increases in his strength (v7) and God hears his prayers (v8).

God cares for him and ensures that he grows spiritually as he spends time in worship.

(c) Character of God (v9-12) 

 ⁹ Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. ¹⁰ For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. ¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. ¹² O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

 God protects His children (v9). He is the irresistible choice of the humble (v10), and the Provider of every good thing (v11). God blesses the faithful (v12).

God is described as the sun because He gives the glory of His brightness to His children. And He supplies all that they need.

As the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.“

God is ever ready to bless all who trust in Him and seek Him. Amen.

(2) Church Camp 2017

The theme of BHBPC 2017 Family Bible Camp is “The Making of a Spiritual Man”. The camp would be held from 14 to 17 June at The Pan Pacific, Singapore. Registration closes on 21 May.

Please pray and be minded to come for this spiritual retreat.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee